Image of Mantegazzi's Cow-Parsnip

Description:

There is some confusion between H. mantegazzianum(an alien)and H. maximum (cow-parsnip - a native plant). Please have a look at http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/ghcanadareport.pdf for details. I collected seed later in the year (see this photo) which in my view resolves the matter of what this plant actually is. Giant hogweed is quite poisonous, the sap causing blistering and scarring when in contact with the skin.